How do global warming work

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These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term. These human-produced temperature increases are commonly referred to as global warming. Natural processes can also contribute to climate change, including internal variability e. Scientists use observations from the ground, air and space, along with theoretical models , to monitor and study past, present and future climate change.

This website provides a high-level overview of some of the known causes, effects and indications of global climate change:. Brief descriptions of some of the key scientific observations that our planet is undergoing abrupt climate change.

A concise discussion of the primary climate change causes on our planet. A look at some of the likely future effects of climate change, including U. This story was originally published on March 11, and has been updated with new information and links.

The western city of Ahmedabad is preparing residents to cope with the longer and more intense heat waves sweeping across South Asia—and inspiring other Indian cities and states to follow suit. The most widespread, damaging storms on earth are getting worse, and climate change is a big reason why. The U. Healing the planet starts at home—in your garage, in your kitchen, and at your dining-room table. Short answer: Yes.

Even a seemingly slight average temperature rise is enough to cause a dramatic transformation of our planet. How smog, soot, greenhouse gases, and other top air pollutants are affecting the planet—and your health. As temperatures and carbon levels rise, even breathing has become a challenge. NRDC senior attorney Ben Longstreth explains how plaintiffs for these cases get chosen—and how you can help advance the cause in or out of the courtroom.

Gun-control activists want to use financial levers to curtail firearm sales. Can we do the same for carbon emissions? We will keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. What Causes Global Warming? Biden Pledges to Cut U. Carbon Emissions in Half by Greenhouse Effect Climate Change Is In the Air.

While halting new greenhouse gas emissions is critical, scientists have also emphasized that we need to extract existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. An iceberg melts in the waters off Antarctica. Climate change has accelerated the rate of ice loss across the continent. But planting trees, restoring seagrasses, and boosting the use of agricultural cover crops could help clean up significant amounts of carbon dioxide.

Restoring forests already chopped down in Brazil, for example, could draw about 1. Those are relatively modest numbers given historic carbon emissions of 2. Communities around the world are already recognizing that adaptation must also be part of the response to climate change. From flood-prone coastal towns to regions facing increased droughts and fires, a new wave of initiatives focuses on boosting resilience. Those include managing or preventing land erosion, building microgrids and other energy systems built to withstand disruptions, and designing buildings with rising sea levels in mind.

Recent books such as Drawdown and Designing Climate Solutions have proposed bold and comprehensive yet simple plans for reversing our current course. The ideas vary, but the message is consistent: We already have many of the tools needed to address climate change. Some of the concepts are broad ones that governments and businesses must implement, but many other ideas involve changes that anyone can make— eating less meat , for example, or rethinking your modes of transport.

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